How long does a building permit take?

Key points

• A straightforward permit typically takes 10 to 30 business days once everything is in.
• Council consents, relaxations and planning permits add weeks or more.
• Incomplete applications and non-compliant designs are the biggest causes of delay.
• Work can't start until the permit is issued.
• Checking the design first is the fastest way through.

The short answer

For a straightforward verandah, carport, shed or patio, a building permit assessment typically takes 10 to 30 business days once the building surveyor or certifier has everything they need. If council needs to give consent, allow another 2 to 4 weeks, and longer if a planning permit is involved.

The biggest factor is not the assessor. It is whether the application is complete and the design complies.

What happens during the assessment

1. Information gathering. Site plan, structural drawings, engineering and title details.
2. Assessment. The building surveyor or certifier checks the design against the building regulations, including setbacks, structure and wind loads.
3. Requests for information. If something is missing or unclear, the assessor asks for it. Each request adds time.
4. Extra approvals. If needed, council or another authority gives consent first.
5. Permit issued. Once everything is in order, the permit is issued and work can start.

What adds time

Missing information. A site plan that doesn't show the boundaries accurately, engineering for the wrong wind rating or a missing title plan all lead to requests for information. Each one can add days.

Designs that don't comply. If the design breaks a siting rule, the options are a redesign or council consent. Either adds time. This is the most common delay we see, and it's avoidable.

Council consent or relaxation. In Victoria, report and consent applications go to council. In Queensland, siting relaxations go to council as a referral agency. Each runs on council's timeframe.

Planning permits. If your property's overlays require a planning permit, that usually comes first and can take considerably longer than the building permit, especially if it is advertised to neighbours. See building permit vs planning permit.

Easement consent. Getting consent from a water authority or council to build over an easement runs on their timeframe.

Busy periods. Spring and summer are peak season for outdoor structures, so demand on assessors and councils can be higher.

How to keep it moving

• Check the design before you buy. Run the free check to see whether the structure is likely to comply on your block. Fixing a setback on screen takes seconds. Fixing it after an application takes weeks.
• Get the engineering early. Ask your builder or kit supplier for engineering that matches your site's wind conditions.
• Know your overlays and easements. We check these at the start, so you aren't surprised halfway through.
• Send everything at once. Quote, plans, photos and engineering together avoid back and forth.
• Answer requests quickly. Most delays during assessment are waiting on information.

After the permit is issued

The permit sets out the mandatory inspections, usually at the footing stage and at completion. Your builder books these with the building surveyor or certifier. Once the final inspection is passed, the work is signed off.

Typical timelines by situation

These are general ranges only. Every council and authority works to its own timeframes.

If you are working to a deadline, such as an event or the start of summer, tell us when you apply. We flag anything likely to take longer at the very start, so you can plan around it.

How we help

We put the application together so it is complete the first time: an accurate site plan, your builder's or supplier's engineering, and every extra approval identified and quoted up front. See how it works in Victoria and Queensland. You pay only when your permit is ready to issue.